The teething phase for puppies is a very important stage in development and it typically begins when they are between three to four months old. This period usually goes on for one or two months. All of the puppy baby teeth will be reabsorbed and replaced by their permanent ones during this time. There will be various behaviors happening around this time, such as teething. 

Some of the obvious signs of teething is your dog will be chewing on things, excessive drooling, and increased fussiness.  This is normal since chewing can provide some relief from the pain associated with teething.  This can be a big problem if your puppy is going after furniture, shoes, or anything that they can find and not supposed to chew on.  

Excessive drooling is another symptom of teething, their body will produce more saliva as their gums are inflamed and sensitive. Young pups will also tend to be irritable or restless in nature, due largely from the pain and discomfort associated with teething.

So why is it that teething hurts and causes so many behavioral issues in puppies.  During the teething period, the new adult teeth will try to push through the gum tissue and cause inflammation.  This discomfort causes them to alter their normal eating and sleeping routines. Able to manage their discomfort can also help to establish their chewing habits and to prevent things from getting damaged from their chewing. 

It is crucial for any puppy owner seriously keeping their pup healthy and well during this challenging yet fundamentally formative time.

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The 10 Must-Have Chewing Toys | For puppy Teething Relief

1. Chew Toys

Puppies go through a really painful teething phase, so giving them the right chew toys can make this phase less uncomfortable and prevent things not supposed to be chewed on safe from being destroyed by the sharp teeth.  Chew toy are typically made of sturdy materials like rubber and nylon.  These materials are suitable for puppies with sharp teeth to chew on and these toys are good for their gum.  You might want to steer clear of toys with small parts that a puppy can swallow and choke on. It is important to always choose appropriate Teething Toys as it carries safety considerations.

Here are some chew toys that we recommend:

• KONG Puppy Toy: This classic toy is made from soft rubber, perfect for a teething puppy. It can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to keep your puppy engaged and chewing on something appropriate.
• Nylabone Puppy Chew: Designed for puppies, these chews come in various shapes and sizes. They are softer than adult Nylabones, making them gentle on a puppy’s developing teeth and gums.

2. Soft Plush Toys

If you are finding that your puppy is avoiding chewing on solid toys, he/she might be at a stage where his/her gum is very sensitive.  In this case, you should get chewing toys that have a softer texture and are more suitable for their gum.  Here are couple examples:  

• Multipet Lamb Chop Plush Dog Toy: A soft, cuddly toy that many puppies love to chew on. While not as durable as rubber toys, plush toys provide comfort and can be an excellent option for gentler chewers.

• Best Pet Supplies Crinkle Dog Toy for Small, Medium, and Large Breeds, Cute No Stuffing Duck with Soft Squeaker, Fun for Indoor Puppies and Senior Pups, Plush No Mess Chew and Play – Yellow:

  This plush toy has minimal stuffing, reducing the mess if it gets torn. It also has a squeaker inside to keep puppies entertained.

3. Teething Rings and Keys

Chew toys, such as teething rings and keys have various textures to help soothe gums whilst keeping puppies entertained. A lot of these toys are also freezable and they act as a soothing quick fix. Teething rings are made of soft materials and you may chill them in the refrigerator for a bit to help soothe irritated gums.

• N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Pumpkin Flavor
• N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings Chicken Flavor Dog Treat
• Nylabone Puppy Chew Keys Toy – Puppy Chew Toys for Teething

4. Rope Toys

Rope toys are also a great chew solution for puppies, as they withstand chewing and provide an aggregate texture so that your puppy can clean his teeth on it while gently massaging their gums.

• Dog Chew Toy for Puppy Teething

5. Treat-Dispensing Toys

The teether stage also involves interactive toys. More aptly, these toys offer relief and stimulate the puppy to think. For example, toys that dispense treats can reward chewing behavior so your puppy learns to nibble on playthings rather than furniture. Puzzle toys that you can hide treats in will keep them entertained for hours and help minimize the stress of teething.

• Puppy Teething Chew Toy Balls: 2pack Interactive Dog Treat Dispensing Ball Rubber
• Dog Puzzle Toy 2 Pack, HIPPIH Interactive Dog Toys for Treat Dispensing

6. Edible Chews and Treats — Healthy And Snacks For Relaxation

The chewing is a combination of the teething phase, when puppies are extremely uncomfortable and have to chew on things in order to ease their sore gums. For this reason, providing them with edible chews and treats can be a way to help soothe that discomfort alongside supplementing their diet. It is important to choose safe and vet-approved toys in order to prevent choking or ingestion of toxic substances.

A well-popular example are dental chews, formulated to assist in oral health and also provide the puppy a chew they need. They are designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build up as well, for better teeth and gum health. Opt for those that are labeled as suitable for puppies as these tend to be softer and more manageable by your young dog.

• Pawstruck Natural Dental Chews for Small Medium Dogs & Puppies
• Nylabone Puppy Chew Freezer Toy – Puppy Chew Toy for Teething

7. Frozen Chew Treats

A teething puppy really can chow down on a few frozen treats to help soothe its gums. You can easily make these at home using just a few ingredients like yogurt, peanut butter or fruit purees. Freeze these combinations into tiny pieces, and you have somewhat of an ice cream substitution for your puppy that also gives them a dietary increase. Only use ingredients that are pet friendly and ZERO added sugar or fake sweeteners!

• Frozen KONG:  Fill a KONG toy with peanut butter, yogurt or soft puppy food and freeze it. The cold numbs the gums, and licking and chewing on a frozen treat keeps them entertained.
• Plain ice cubes: If you have a teething puppy, plain water-filled ice cubes may be just the soothing chew toy they need. Freeze broth, or even just water with a few treats inside for something extra fun.
• Frozen Carrots:  A healthy and safe option, carrots can be frozen to give an extra-relief. With a nice crunch, dog biscuits are light on your puppy’s tummy and satisfying.

8. Natural Chews

Bully sticks or natural chews are a great choice because they last so long compared to the salty, dried out rawhides (bully stick), plus bully sticks have nutritional benefits.  Bully sticks are beef kidney muscle that is packed with protein which not only satisfies puppies to chew on but also beneficial for their health. Nonetheless, you should always monitor your puppy when giving them these chews to keep choking risks in check especially when its sticks become spec.

When choosing edible chews and treats, always find the ones that do not contain harmful chemicals, artificial flavors or preservatives. A veterinarian will also have a great deal of helpful information on the best choices that are right for your puppies needs. Picking the right edible chews and treats can help make teething as comfortable for your puppy, and new healthy treat options are coming to store shelves all the time.

• Nature Gnaws Small Bully Sticks for Dogs – Premium Natural Beef Dental Bones
• Best Bully Sticks 6 Inch All-Natural Thin Bully Sticks for Dogs – 6” 

9. Cooling Gel Toys

Freezable cooling gel toys like these really help soothe puppy gums.

• Gel-Filled Toys: By putting toys with nontoxic gel inside into your fridge and then giving them to the puppy these will help soothe its painful gums, reducing inflammation as well.
• Teething Mitts: These mittens are to be worn by the baby or played with and come filled with cooling gel for your bub still chewing on everything.

• Petstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs – Soothing Chew Toy for Teething Puppies

10. DIY Options

You can also make some unpretentious solutions for home use.

• Bag of frozen washcloths: Soak a clean washcloth in water and wring it out, then screw the towel into a kind-of “rope”, place each twisted garment on wax paper or parchment paper (so they don’t stick) In the freezer for at least one hour. The texture and cold feel good to teething pups.
• Homemade Frozen Treats: You can make your own frozen treats with things like plain yogurt, peanut butter and fruit. Pour it into an ice cube tray or mold and freeze for cooling healthy treats.
• Stuffed Freezable Toys: Certain soft baby toys will have pockets or areas where you can insert ice packs and freeze before-hand. These will give them all the comfort and be a source of entertainment too.

Safe and Supportive Environment

Taking precautions and providing a safe comfortable environment for a teething puppy is essential to ensuring they remain happy and well-developed.  Puppies have sharp teeth during this stage and they like to explore around as well.  So, puppy-proof your house by securing any electrical cords, covering the cords, hiding wires,  putting away hazardous items that may tip over, and furniture protection.  Also, think about using pet-safe repellent sprays on furniture and around the house to prevent your puppy from targeting those items to chew on.

Having a chewing spot for your puppy is great for both his comfort and training. Your puppy should have a space that is a comfortable, secure area with bedding where he/she can rest.  Keeping a variety of chew toys and treats readily available in the region is similar to redirecting their chewing urge towards something healthful. Choose tough safe chew toys, especially vesicles specifically for teething puppies that are designed to relieve gum pain and last through intense chewing. You should rotate the toys to keep your puppy entertained and distracted.

Watching over your puppies at this time is important.  When you notice your puppy chewing on something that is not supposed to be chewed, you can intervene and show where or what is okay to chew.  Make sure you react calmly and redirect your puppy focus on the proper chew toy.  Rewarding good chewing behavior is a very valuable tool in positive reinforcement. 

By enforcing proper supervision, and positive reinforcement you can teach your puppy what it is OK to chew on.  And creating a safe and comfortable environment for your puppy throughout the his/her teething phase will encourage your puppy to chew on appropriate items while keeping their well-being intact. 

How to Use Teething Essentials

• Switch Toys Out: Once you have a bunch of toys, rotate them so that your puppy does not get bored with the same ones over and over again.
• Monitor: ALWAYS supervise your puppy while chewing, especially if they are still a really young pup and be extra cautious with natural chews or toys since any unwanted bites could lead to choking in younger animals.
• Regular Inspection: Always look for wear and tear on the toys. For toys that are damaged or have loose parts, it is better to keep them away and replace them with the new ones.
• Diversify: Bring out a variety of teething toys and chews as your dog goes through different preferences with his teething needs.
• Encourage appropriate chewing: Praise and reward your puppy when they chew on the appropriate items. That way you will teach the dog what he needs to chew. Positive reinforcement is very important when day comes and night falls!

Conclusion

Teething is perfectly normal during puppy growing up.  Getting the right teething essentials can go a long way in easing your puppy discomfort and behavior.  From strong chew toys to tough natural chews and even frozen treats, you have many ways in which you can alleviate your puppy’s pain and encourage them to redirect their chewing towards acceptable outlets.

By providing many different teething options and constantly reinforcing that your puppy needs to be chewing something, you are able to give guidance during his/her most painful time in life while teaching them how he/she should behave. Through patience, speaking in a language your puppy can understand, and the right tools for managing inappropriate behaviors will help guide your puppy through this process easier.